BEAMA

The BEC Committee L/6/10, chaired by manufacturers, came into existence in 1995 when the setting up of the International Certification Scheme; IECEx, required a corresponding national forum. Very soon after its formation its scope was extended to ATEX and related European issues. L/6/10 provides a forum for the industry to raise issues of concern for discussion with Government and the certification/notified bodies, as well as appointing delegates to the global IECEx meetings.

Achievements of the BEC Committee L/6/10:

• L/6/10 played an active role in getting the IECEx Scheme off the ground, with the UK acting as hosts for the inaugural meeting of the scheme. It has led to the development of rules and procedures for the establishment of international certification procedures.
• L/6/10 is the proven focus for the UK Ex industry due to the fact that many of L/6/10's members are original UK certifiers and manufacturers, as well as Notified Bodies.
• The various business requirements reflected by L/6/10 members are such that an interest and involvement in IECEx almost automatically implies involvement in European certification schemes and markets.
• L/6/10 has therefore also provided extensive support to BERR ( now BIS) in the implementation of the ATEX directive; 94/9/EC. The ATEX guidelines contain a considerable amount of material originating from L/6/10 members and the Corrigendum to the directive was drafted in conjunction with a working group of L/6/10.

The Future Role of the BEC Committee L/6/10:

• Effective conformity assessment helps to sell products and to provide evidence of compliance with the law. L/6/10 will continue its cooperation with BIS on ATEX matters both during the 'transitional' stage and full implementation.
• L/6/10 will continue to provide the UK forum inw hich issues surrounding conformity assessment will be discussed.
• An important target of L/6/10 is to bring the certification processes of ATEX and IECEx together into one single activity.

Membership

Membership of L/6/10 is open to anyone with a valid interest in Ex certification, with provision for both collective and single company membership. The majority of the members are manufacturers or certifiers, but the committee also includes user representation in the form of EEMUA and government representation from BIS and HSE. L/6/10 meets 3 times a year, and corresponds using electronic processes.

The subscription costs vary depending on the type of member and the number of certificates issued that year. For more information contact The Committee Secretary.